ERCE - Expertise Centrum Regionale Circulaire Economie
Limburg is working towards a fundamental shift to a circular economy, in which resources are used more intelligently, waste is minimised, and cycles are closed as much as possible. This transition affects all sectors and calls for new ways of thinking, organising and collaborating. It requires not only technological innovation, but also in-depth insight into regional flows and a strong, shared knowledge base.
The Expertise Centre for Regional Circular Economy (ERCE) plays a connecting role in this process. By bringing together data, knowledge and regional partners, ERCE creates insight and overview, stimulates collaboration, and supports concrete steps towards a future-proof economy. In doing so, the centre actively contributes to accelerating and strengthening the circular transition in Limburg.
Latest News
Captains of Circularity 2026: Working Together Towards Limburg’s Circular Future
On 11 June, a successful edition of Captains of Circularity took place at the SCHUNCK Glaspaleis in Heerlen, bringing together professionals from government, education, research, and industry to discuss opportunities, challenges, and next steps for advancing the circular transition in Limburg.
The event was founded on the belief that a circular economy can only be achieved through collaboration across disciplines and sectors. Throughout the day, participants explored topics including circular construction, biobased materials, circular innovation ecosystems, citizen participation, and new forms of regional collaboration. Beyond sharing knowledge, the programme fostered new connections and highlighted the region's strong capacity for innovation and collective action.
The insights and recommendations generated during the event will now be further developed and shared with participants, who will be invited to contribute to the next steps. A report summarising the main outcomes of the discussions and sessions is currently being prepared, providing a foundation for future circular initiatives across Limburg.
CitiDem
On 24 February 2026, a citizen dialogue took place in Geleen on circular living and consumer behaviour. Around eighty residents discussed how circular their current lifestyles are, what is needed to make them more circular, and what role municipalities can play in this transition. The event was hosted at the sustainability hub Goede Morgen.
The dialogue is part of a research project by Maastricht University, carried out in collaboration with Studio Europa Maastricht and the Expert Centre for Regional Circular Economy (ERCE). The insights contribute to a better understanding of consumption patterns in Limburg and the opportunities to further support circular behaviour.
The full report is available here
Plenary Presentation
Breakout Sessions
Presentation Structural Collective
Posters
Image Gallery of Captains of Circularity 2.0
The Mission
Limburg faces a major and urgent challenge: the transition to a circular economy. This shift goes to the heart of how we produce, consume and collaborate. Key questions include: which material, water, energy and food flows can we close, slow down or narrow? And how can this be put into practice? This requires not only technological solutions, but also new forms of collaboration and a rethinking of our economic system.
The circular transition is, above all, a knowledge-driven process. In policy plans and regional agreements, the ambition is widely endorsed, and inspiring initiatives are already visible in Limburg. At the same time, there is still a long way to go. There is a risk that efforts will remain fragmented into small-scale, stand-alone projects, preventing the broader potential of the transition from being fully realised. This is precisely why coherence, scale and a strong knowledge base are essential.
A solid starting point is insight: a clear understanding of the flows of materials, energy, water and food within Limburg, and how these relate to the regional economy. Only with this knowledge can targeted choices be made and the transition be effectively accelerated.
To address this need, the Expertise Centre for Regional Circular Economy (ERCE) has been established. This centre, initiated by researchers from Maastricht University following an intensive process with regional municipalities and stakeholders represents an important investment in the region’s knowledge infrastructure. ERCE aims to accelerate the circular transition in Limburg and fulfils three roles in doing so. With this integrated approach, ERCE contributes to a coherent, effective and future-proof circular transition in Limburg.
ERCE's Three Core Tasks
Data-Broker
ERCE brings together relevant data and makes it accessible through reports, events and an online platform. This involves integrated insights into regional flows of materials, water, energy and food, combined with socio-economic dynamics.
Knowledge sharer and knowledge developer
The centre develops and shares knowledge in an inter- and transdisciplinary way. This is done in collaboration with experts within and beyond Maastricht University, as well as with regional partners who actively contribute to the circular economy and society.
Catalyst
ERCE strengthens and supports the (EU)regional network of circular stakeholders, including public authorities, businesses and civil society organisations. The centre does this by providing concrete tools, such as value chain analyses, citizen dialogues and co-creation processes for policy.
This website is currently under development. Please check back regularly for future updates and new content.
